Chapter XXIII: Appendix: A

_Extracts from “Lightning Gazette,” 1855-1857._

SECOND VOYAGE.—LIVERPOOL TO MELBOURNE.

=Saturday, 6th January, 1855.=—At 8 a.m. the anchor was weighed and
the _Lightning_ with two steamers ahead proceeded down the Mersey.
The morning was cold with a small drizzling rain, the wind being
contrary. The steam tender, on leaving with passengers for the shore,
came in contact with our main brace and carried away her funnel. The
start was anything but a cheerful one; nevertheless, with the aid of
two powerful tugs, we progressed at the rate of 7 to 8 knots and at 6
p.m. passed the Skerries Lighthouse.

=Sunday, 7th January.=—During the night we were nearly run into by a
large American clipper, the _Dreadnought_, of New York; she being on
the port tack, it was her duty to give way, but true to her name or
with the independence of her nation, she held her course disdaining
to turn aside; our captain with praiseworthy prudence put his ship
about and thus avoided a collision.

=Monday, 8th January.=—Lat. 52° 14′ N., long. 6° 12′ W. Wind S.W. The
night being very dark, we came in contact with a ship on the opposite
tack. We saw and hailed, but the stranger evidently did not keep a
good look-out and came straight upon us, striking our ship on the
starboard bow. All was hubbub and confusion in a moment. The ships
were speedily parted and fortunately without doing any damage to us
worth mentioning. The stranger did not escape so well, having her
jibboom carried away and her bowsprit sprung, as appeared to us in
the dark.

=12th January.=—Lat. 46° 55′ N., long. 10° 41′ W. Wind S.E. Distance
269 miles. About 8 p.m. an alarm of fire was given and great
excitement prevailed throughout the ship. This danger was caused by
a drunken woman in the second cabin, who set fire to her bonnet; it
was soon extinguished and the woman put in irons and confined in the
“black hole” for the night as a warning.

=13th January.=—Lat. 42° 58′ N., long. 14° 24′ W. Wind S.E.
Distance 286 miles. It is a week to-day since we left Liverpool and
considering that we had two days of contrary winds, two days of calms
we have made a very favourable run from the land.

=15th January.=—Lat. 39° 42′ N., long. 19° 25′ W. Wind S.S.E.
Distance 202 miles. Ship going 13 knots close-hauled; in the morning
we passed a ship outward bound with topgallant sails in, while we
were carrying three royals and main skysail.

_20th January._—Lat. 30° 37′ N., long. 19° 24′ W. Wind variable.
Distance 130 miles. At 10 a.m. we sighted a steamer on weather bow,
homeward bound. In a moment the tables were covered with writing
desks. At 11 o’clock we neared her and found she was the General
Screw Co.’s Steamship _Calcutta_ from Australia bound to Southampton,
69 days out from Melbourne. We sent a boat to her with a bag of
letters.

=21st January.=—Lat. 29° 51′ N., long. 19° 56′ W. Wind S.S.W. At 5
p.m. passed a large ship of war with two tiers of guns supposed to
be H.M.S. _Monarch_, bound for the Pacific with Admiral Bruce, to
replace the unfortunate Admiral Price, who shot himself before the
attack on Petropaulovski.

=24th January.=—Lat. 24° 24′ N., long. 19° 37′ W. Took the N.E.
trades, very light.

=26th January.=—Lat. 22° 07′ N., long. 20° 45′ W. Wind N.E., ship
running 7 knots with smooth sea. A swing was put up on the poop
to-day for the amusement of the ladies.

=31st January.=—Lat. 8° 48′ N., long 22° 7′ W. Wind N.N.E. Distance
130 miles. At 8 p.m. the ship was thrown into instant confusion by
the cry of “man overboard.” The ship was quickly rounded to, the two
quarter boats lowered away and after 10 minutes of intense anxiety a
hearty cheer announced that they had found him. The man, who was a
second intermediate passenger, could not swim but was kept up by a
life-buoy.

=1st February.=—Lat. 5° 45′ N., long. 21° 50′ W. Wind N.E. Distance
180 miles. Ship running 12 knots before a fresh gale with light sails
in. At noon the ship was again thrown into a state of alarm by the
cry of “man overboard.” A sailor named John Benson, a Swede, had
fallen from the jibboom. Lifebuoys were thrown to him and the two
boats quickly lowered, but the wind blew strong, the sea ran high
with rain and mist so that it was impossible to see any distance and
after pulling for nearly an hour they returned with the sad report
that they could see nothing of him.

=3rd February.=—Crossed the equator at 10 p.m. in 23° 9′ W., 28 days
out from Liverpool and 23 from Land’s End. Took the S.E. trade and
lost the favourable north wind this morning.

=9th February.=—Lat. 18° 15′ S., long. 34° 46′ W. Wind S.E. Distance
308 miles. This is the best day’s work since we left; indeed it is
the only chance our noble ship has had of displaying her sailing
qualities.

14 knots upon a bowline with the yards braced sharp up is certainly
wonderful work and scarcely to be believed if it were not
satisfactorily proved by the observation of the sun at noon, from
which it appears we have sailed 308 miles in last 24 hours with a
current against us, which is always supposed on this coast to run
about a knot an hour with the wind, making an average of 13 knots an
hour, and while going at this extraordinary rate she is as dry as
possible, seldom shipping a spoonful of water. During the greater
part of yesterday the carpenter was employed on a stage below the
fore chains, where he worked as easily as if it had been calm.

=14th February.=—Lat. 31° 47′ S., long. 34° 54′ W. Wind N.E. Distance
93 miles. Began to run down our easting on a composite circle.

=19th February.=—Lat. 41° 41′ S., long. 18° 45′ W. Wind N.W. Distance
310 miles. Ship running 13 and occasionally 15 knots.

=20th February.=—Lat. 41° 5′ S., long. 16° 34′ W. Distance 155
miles. At midnight the wind suddenly flew round from N.E. to S.W.
and blew a heavy gale. The change was so sudden that we were obliged
to run before the wind for six hours to get the sails in, which was
not done without some danger. After taking a reef in the fore and
mizen topsails we hauled up again to E.S.E. The ship went very easy
under the reduced sail and as dry as possible, though there was a
heavy cross sea running. 10 a.m., more moderate, set mainsail and
topgallant sails. Noon going 15 knots with royals set, yards slightly
checked, going by the wind.

=21st February.=—Lat. 42° 34′ S., long. 9° 10′ W. Wind South.
Distance 342 miles. Ship going 15 and occasionally 16 knots with
main skysail and fore topmast studding sail set, the yards slightly
checked.

=27th February.=—Lat. 46° 22′ S., long. 26° 15′ E. Wind west.
Distance 390 miles. All night it blew a fresh gale with heavy squalls
and occasional showers of hail and snow, the sea running high, ship
running 16 and occasionally 18 knots. During six hours in the morning
the ship logged 18 knots with royals, main skysail and topgallant
studding sails set, the wind blowing a fresh gale from the westward.

=28th February.=—Lat. 47° 24′ S., long. 33° 32′ E. Wind N.E. Distance
308 miles. At 2 o’clock it blew a hard gale with heavy showers
of rain and hail. Obliged to keep the ship before the wind while
shortening sail. By 7 p.m. sail was taken in and ship laid to under
trysail and topmast staysail, to prevent her running too far south
for fear of coming in contact with ice.

=7th March.=—Lat. 50° S., long. 68° 44′ E. Wind S.W. Distance 280
miles. 10 a.m., sighted Kerguelen or Desolation Island, passing
between Fortune Island and Round Island, small rocks about 20 miles
off the mainland. 2 o’clock, abreast Cape St. George.

=8th March.=—Lat. 49° 51′ S., long. 76° 24′ E. Wind N.W. Distance 296
miles. Ship running with stunsails both sides, high sea.

=9th March.=—Lat. 49° 50′ S., long. 83° 47′ E. Wind N.W. Distance 284
miles.

=10th March.=—Lat. 49° 28′ S., long. 89° 29′ E. Wind N.W. Distance
221 miles.

=11th March.=—Lat. 49° 11′ S., long. 94° 44′ E. Wind N.N.E. Distance
325 miles. Midnight, fresh gale. Ship going 17 knots with single
reefed topsails, foresail, trysail and fore topmast staysail, wind
abeam.

=12th March.=—Lat. 49° 11′ S., long. 106° 38′ E. Wind north. Distance
366 miles. Thick weather and small rain.

=13th March.=—Lat. 48° 27′ S., long. 114° 16′ E. Wind N.E. Distance
318 miles.

=19th March.=—Lat. 40° 25′ S., long. 143° 23′ E. Wind E.S.E. Distance
308 miles. 4 p.m., rounded King’s Island. 8 p.m., sighted Cape Otway
light bearing W. 18 miles. Stood off the land till midnight.

=20th March.=—During the night strong gale from East. 1 p.m., pilot
came aboard. 1.30 p.m., entered Port Phillip Heads.

Passage of 73 days—Liverpool to Melbourne.
Passage of 67 days—Land to land.

The _Lightning_ beat the _Red Jacket_, _Ralph Waller_, _Eagle_, and
_George Waller_, which sailed either previous to her or on the same
date.

SECOND VOYAGE—MELBOURNE TO LIVERPOOL, 1855.

=11th April.=—Early this morning the anchor was weighed and we were
taken in tow by two steam tugs. Two guns were fired as a signal
of departure, weather delightful but wind light and right ahead.
When near the Heads spoke _Frederick_, of Liverpool, 95 days out.
In passing she saluted us with two guns, her passengers and crew
cheering, a courtesy which we returned. Calm for two days, ship only
11 miles off Port Phillip Heads.

=13th April.=—Passed through Bass Straits, _Gipsy Bride_ and other
vessels in company.

=17th April.=—Lat. 46° 12′ S., long. 156° 28′ E. _Lightning_ sweeping
along at 17 and sometimes 18 knots.

=18th April.=—Lat. 49° 5′ S., long, 162° 50′ E. Wind S.W. Distance
314 miles. Sailing 16 knots an hour, wind steady with heavy cross
sea. All starboard stunsails set.

=21st April.=—Lat. 54° 21′ S., long. 175° 45′ W. Wind S.S.W. Distance
327 miles.

=24th April.=—Lat. 58° S., long. 158° 35′ W. Wind N.N.E. Distance
285 miles. Sailing 14 knots close-hauled. P.M., heavy head gale,
royals, skysails, jib and spanker in, ship pitching heavily.

=26th April.=—Lat. 58° 7′ S., long. 150° 49′ W. Calm. Distance 79
miles. During night heavy snow squalls.

=1st May.=—Lat. 58° 53′ S., long. 112° 25′ W. Wind E.N.E. Sailing 8
knots an hour by the wind. Sighted an iceberg 100 ft. high, 8 miles
distant.

=5th May.=—Lat. 54° 48′ S., long. 100° 44′ W. Wind E.N.E. to E.S.E.,
strong gale. Took in foresail and single reefed the topsails. (This
was the only occasion during the passage on which the topsails were
reefed.)

=8th May.=—Lat. 55° 56′ S., long. 85° 48′ W. Wind north. Distance 294
miles. Skysails and staysails in and slab-reefed courses.

=10th May.=—Lat. 58° 12′ S., long. 69° 49′ W. Wind N.N.W. Distance
316 miles. 10 p.m., Cape Horn north 100 miles.

=17th May.=—Lat. 44° 37′ S., long. 64° 31′ W. Going at the rate of
12 to 14 knots and wind right aft which caused the ship to roll very
much. About 3 p.m. a heavy shower of snow was hailed with delight
by the passengers. Our captain transferred his command from the
Black Ball to the White Ball Line and first commenced snow-balling.
Fierce and fast grew the conflict, the ship helping many a valiant
snow-baller to a seat on her slippery decks. At 4 we saw an American
clipper standing eastward under close-reefed topsails.

=1st June.=—Crossed the equator at midnight in 30° W. Visit of
Neptune in the evening. Neptune made his appearance accompanied by
his wife Amphitrite. Their Majesties were received with the usual
honours, all the company standing up and the band playing “Rule
Britannia.” Neptune was dressed in the uniform of a Line regiment,
sea-green turned up with cerulean blue. His wife’s hair plaited in
the most tasteful manner nearly touched her feet, swabbing the decks
as she walked along. Neptune put the usual questions to our gallant
commander and having received satisfactory replies, his Majesty,
leaning upon his three-pronged toaster, made a circuit of the deck,
while the fair Amphitrite in passing made a most condescending bow
to the Queen of Beauty, who was supported on the arm of Aesculapius,
and at this piece of condescension dropped her large blue eyes and
looked confused. The salt of the briny element seemed to have excited
the thirst of Amphitrite and her attendants, which the Chief Justice
endeavoured to quench by draughts from the cup that cheers but
inebriates. Neptune having taken the pledge when he visited certain
other parts of his dominions would not put the hideous beverage to
his lips. The Gods and Goddesses then delighted the company by their
vocal melodies and finally descended to their chariot, which went off
with fire and smoke.

=4th June.=—Lat. 6° 30′ N., long. 30° 11′ W. Took the N.E. trades.

=28th June.=—Four passengers and a number of letters landed off
Kinsale.

=29th June.=—11 a.m., taken in tow by steam tug _Dreadnought_.
Anchored in Liverpool at 11 p.m. 79 days out. Since passing the Horn
it had been a light weather passage, the moonsail only being lowered
on two occasions and the lower deck ports only shut once.

THIRD VOYAGE.

The _Lightning’s_ third voyage was an unfortunate one. On her arrival
home in June, 1855, Messrs. James Baines & Co., whether at Captain
Enright’s suggestion or not, I do not know, had her hollow bow filled
in with deadwood, an action which caused her designer to refer to
them as the “wood-butchers of Liverpool,” though in the light of
modern knowledge in ship designing they were undoubtedly right, as
hollow lines for sailing ships have long been proved a mistake.

Unfortunately, however, the blocking in of the bows was not strongly
enough done, and one day when she was close-hauled on the starboard
tack in the South Atlantic, this false bow, as it was called, was
washed away, leaving its frame and ribs bare. This, though in no way
affecting the seaworthiness of the _Lightning_, spoilt her sailing,
and what promised to be an excellent passage ran to 81 days.

In Australia the bow was repaired, but the accident frightened
would-be passengers, as the Government surveyors in Melbourne refused
to give her a certificate and she also lost a lot of freight.

LIVERPOOL TO MELBOURNE, 1855.

=Wednesday, 5th September.=—About 3 o’clock this afternoon, amid the
booming of cannon, the sad and solemn strains of the band and the
cheers of the passengers, our gallant ship was taken in tow by the
tug _Rattler_. The commencement of our voyage is marked with a fair
wind, so that the captain is determined to proceed without the aid
of a tug. Accordingly at 7.30 the pilot left us and we bade him a
cheering farewell. In the evening several songs were sung for “Each
sail was set, and each heart was gay.”

=Thursday, 6th September.=—At 2 a.m. we passed Holyhead, going from 7
to 7½ knots, and Bardsey at 9. At 3 p.m. we were abreast of Tuskar.
The ship is gliding along under an astonishing cloud of canvas, with
stunsails alow and aloft. In the evening the band played several
tunes; many of the passengers ventured on a polka and other dances
with spirit.

=Friday, 7th September.=—The light breeze of past two days died
away at 4 this morning, leaving us becalmed. Happily the weather
is delightful with clear sky and brilliant sun. The sea has the
appearance of an immense sheet of glass. All parties are on deck so
that the promenades are inconveniently crowded.

=Tuesday, 11th September.=—About 11 a.m. we passed on the port side
close to a Neapolitan brig, which put us in mind of Noah’s Ark. She
was going ahead about one knot and drifting two, with a fine breeze
that would have enabled a ship of any other nation to carry all sail,
while these sea-lubbers rolled along under double-reefed topsails and
furled mainsail. Lat. 44° 9′ N., long. 12° 5′ W. Distance run 205
miles.

=Thursday, 13th September.=—About 7 this morning we exchanged colours
with a ship steering our course. At 12 she was but a white speck on
the horizon and at 3 she was lost to sight.

=Thursday, 20th September.=—About 8 a.m. we sighted a vessel right
ahead about 10 miles distant and at 2 p.m. we were almost within
speaking distance. She proved to be the barque _Araquita_, from
England bound to Rio Janeiro. At 6, such was our speed, she was lost
to sight. At 3.30 entered Tropic of Cancer.

=Monday, 24th September.=—Lat. 14° 10′ N., long. 28° 14′ W. Distance
78 miles. Early this afternoon we sighted the schooner _Gleam_,
from Accra, on the Guinea Coast, bound to London. At 5 p.m. a boat
was lowered and in command of Mr. Bartlett, the chief officer,
accompanied by a few of the saloon passengers, proceeded to the
_Gleam_, conveying a large number of letters and _Lightning Gazettes_
for home. A small present of fresh meat and potatoes was also put on
board and gratefully received. On the return of the boat we learned
she was 47 days out and crossed the line 19 days ago.

=Tuesday, 25th September.=—Lat. 12° 14′ N., long. 28° 1′ W. Distance
117 miles. In the forenoon we exchanged colours with the brig
_Favorite_, from Buenos Ayres to Liverpool. Shortly afterwards we
passed a Danish brigantine and a Hamburg vessel.

=Friday, 28th September.=—Lat. 9° 53′ N., long. 28° 5′ W. Distance
33 miles. At 6 a.m. a boat visited us from the _Evening Star_, of
Portland, from the Chincha Islands bound to Cork for orders.

=Friday, 5th October.=—Crossed the equator.

=Monday, 15th October.=—Lat. 24° 7′ S., long. 29° 59′ W. Distance 255
miles. Ship sweeping along at the rate of 14½ knots.

=Tuesday, 16th October.=—Lat. 24° 5′ S., long. 25° 50′ W. Distance
225 miles. About 9 a.m. a considerable portion of the false bow on
the larboard side was suddenly carried away.

=Sunday, 21st October.=—Lat. 36° 4′ S., long. 24° 52′ W. Distance 238
miles. At 5 p.m. sighted a large ship on our weather quarter, sailing
under double-reefed topsails, and we apprehend they must have taken
us for the _Flying Dutchman_ seen occasionally in these latitudes,
for notwithstanding the strong breeze we would be observed carrying
our skysails with studding sails ’low and aloft.

=Monday, 22nd October.=—Lat. 38° 24′ S., long. 19° 21′ W. Distance
300 miles.

=Tuesday, 23rd October.=—Lat. 39° 22′ S., long. 12° 32′ W. Distance
325 miles. At 9 a.m. during a sudden squall, carried away our
starboard fore topmast stunsail boom—a splendid Oregon spar, which
was carried right over the larboard bow.

=Saturday, 17th November.=—Lat. 48° 00′ S., long. 121° 15′ E.
Distance 324 miles. The wind changed during the night to W.N.W.,
still blowing a fresh breeze with every sail set.

=Sunday, 25th November.=—Sail was shortened at midnight and Bowman
Head Lighthouse sighted at 3 a.m. Shortly afterwards hove to for a
pilot and as his boat came near, at 4.30, every glass in her was
levelled in astonishment at the bare ribs of our false bow. After
getting inside the Heads, we again hove to and landed the Geelong
mail. At 10 a.m. met the _James Baines_ homeward bound and hove to
to communicate with her. Captain McDonald came on board and we had
the pleasure of sending letters and papers home. At 1 p.m. we were
at anchor with sails furled and the Melbourne mail landed. We had
the misfortune to come into port with a broken bow which impeded our
progress not less on the average than 3 knots an hour for upwards of
9000 miles. On the last voyage we were going 17 knots, on the present
with the same wind only 14—owing to the accident.

THIRD VOYAGE—MELBOURNE TO LIVERPOOL.

=Friday, 28th December.=—At 8 a.m. we got outside the bar at Port
Phillip Heads, when the agents and a few friends left in the pilot
boat. From the captain of the latter we learned the sad intelligence
of the loss of the _Schomberg_, off Cape Otway. The clipper ship
_Blackwall_ was sighted right ahead of us at the same moment, and at
10.30 we had the satisfaction of overhauling her. At 7 p.m. she was
barely visible on the horizon. (The _Blackwall_ was one of Green’s
frigate-built Indiamen.)

=Friday, 4th January, 1856.=—Lat. 56° 34′ S., long. 177° 14′ W.
Distance 334 miles. Wind S.W. Run for the week 1908 miles.

=Wednesday, 9th January.=—Lat. 58° 32′ S., long. 136° 06′ W. Distance
311 miles. Wind S.W. During the middle watch 7 icebergs were seen,
some very large. During morning several more sighted. Snow fell
during the day.

=Monday, 14th January.=—Lat. 57° 48′ S., long. 93° 08′ W. Distance
330 miles. Wind S.S.E., cold, with showers of snow and hail. Sighted
two large icebergs on starboard bow.

(28th December-15th January _Lightning_ ran 5244 knots in 18 days, an
average of 12 knots on a direct course from Melbourne to Cape Horn.)

=Sunday, 20th January.=—At 6 a.m. Cape Horn in sight, 25 miles
distant.

=Tuesday, 29th January.=—Lat. 35° 00′ S., long. 33° 15′ W. Distance
300 miles. Wind east. Heavy cross sea and rattling breeze all night.
Ship pitching very heavily and going at rate of 15 or 16 knots. At 1
p.m. spoke Aberdeen clipper ship _Centurion_, from Sydney bound to
London, 46 days out. She passed during the night the White Star ship
_Emma_, of Liverpool, with Melbourne mail of 10th December. We have
beaten the _Centurion_ 16 days and the _Emma_ 18.

=Friday, 1st February.=—Spoke the mail ship _Emma_.

=Sunday, 17th February.=—Crossed the equator at 8.30 a.m.

=Tuesday, 26th February.=—In the forenoon carpenter fell from the
stage on which he was working on the starboard side and immediately
the appalling cry of “man overboard”! echoed through the ship. On
rising to the surface of the water, he passed his hatchet over the
fore sheet and held on until assistance was tendered.

=Wednesday, 5th March.=—Lat. 42° 30′ N., long. 25° 33′ W. Distance
181 miles. In forenoon sighted large vessel on lee bow under reefed
topsails, whilst we carried royals with ease.

=Friday, 14th March.=—Lat. 50° 43′ N., long. 14° 36′ W. Distance
174 miles. Wind S.S.E. At 6 a.m. sighted two vessels on starboard,
another on port bow. Ship put about at 8 a.m. Shortly after a
schooner to windward of us. At 10.30 a.m. passed close to ship _Henry
Fulton_, of New York, under close-reefed topsails and on opposite
tack. During the day the wind blew with great violence from S.S.E.
Towards evening it increased to a perfect gale. Every stitch of
canvas that could be carried with safety was kept on until Captain
Enright thought it full time to stow the topgallant sails and single
reef the topsails and mainsail, which was done at 8 p.m. At midnight
the foresail was also single-reefed.

=Saturday, 15th March.=—Lat. 51° 52′ N., long. 12° 23′ W. Distance
107 miles. Gale continued from S.S.E. during the night, splitting the
fore topsail in two. At 9 a.m. hove to under a double-reefed fore
sail and close-reefed main topsail.

=Sunday, 16th March.=—Passed a longboat keel up.

=Tuesday, 18th March.=—Wind S.S.E. Course full and by. Made the
Skellig Rocks.

=Wednesday, 19th March.=—Becalmed; nine vessels surrounding us. A
couple of schooners close to and our starboard boat was lowered under
Mr. Bartlett. On its return we learned one was the _Fashion_, 35
days from Antigua, the other the _Breeze_, of Wexford, from Athens,
73 days out and short of provisions, her crew subsisting on wheat
which they ground. Kinsale Head light plainly discernible all night.

=Thursday, 20th March.=—Still becalmed, a large number of vessels in
all directions. Visited by Cork pilot boat which landed a number of
passengers and portion of the mail at Castlehaven. Learnt that 60 or
80 sail started from Crookhaven on previous day, all of which had
been detained by same head winds.

=Saturday, 22nd March.=—10.30 p.m., tug made fast.

=Sunday, 23rd March.=—Arrived after a passage of 86 days against head
winds and calms.

THE RUN.

From Melbourne to Cape Horn 22 days
„ Cape Horn to Equator 29 „
„ Equator to Fayal 14 „
„ Western Isles to Liverpool 21 „

A TABLE OF WINDS.

Fair Winds Light Winds Calms Head Winds.
26 days 19 days 17 days 24 days

FOURTH VOYAGE—LIVERPOOL TO MELBOURNE, 1856.

=Tuesday, 6th May.=—At noon the signal gun was fired, our anchor
weighed and we proceeded in tow of our old friend, the _Rattler_.
At 3 p.m. pilot left. At 4.30 cast off steamer and set all sail. At
5.20 p.m. passed Point Lynas, the Skerries at 8, Holyhead at 9, and
Bardsey at midnight.

=Thursday, 8th May.=—Lat. 47° 08′ N., long. 10° 44′ W. Distance 274
miles. At noon passed ship _Dauntless_, sailing similar course to our
own.

=Wednesday, 14th May.=—Lat. 33° 39′ N., long. 20° 30′ W. Distance 310
miles.

=Monday, 26th May.=—Crossed the line in long. 31° 40′ W.

=Saturday, 21st June.=—Lat. 38° 53′ S., long. 5° 7′ E. Distance 253
miles.

=Sunday, 22nd June.=—Lat. 40° 07′ S., long. 13° 1′ E. Distance 346
miles.

=Saturday, 28th June.=—Lat. 44° 25′ S., long. 42° 58′ E. Distance 232
miles. Wind increasing; whilst taking in lighter canvas, mizen royal
and mizen topmast staysail were torn to pieces. P.M., reefs were
taken in topsails. Ship running under foresail and reefed topsails.

=Sunday, 29th June.=—Lat. 43° 36′ S., long. 50° 07′ E. Distance 312
miles.

=Monday, 30th June.=—Lat. 44° 02′ S., long. 56° 35′ E. Distance 281
miles.

=Tuesday, 1st July.=—Lat. 44° 39′ S., long. 63° 27′ E. Distance 298
miles.

=Wednesday, 2nd July.=—Lat. 45° 07′ S., long. 70° 55′ E. Distance 319
miles.

=Thursday, 3rd July.=—Lat. 45° 07′ S., long. 79° 55′ E. Distance 382
miles. Her run to-day has been only once surpassed since she floated.

=Friday, 4th July.=—Lat. 45° 07′ S., long. 88° 30′ E. Distance
364 miles. Our week’s work of 2188 miles has been the best the
_Lightning_ has ever accomplished.

=Friday, 11th July.=—Lat. 45° 47′ S., long. 128° 25′ E. Distance 326
miles. During the night our speed averaged 16 knots an hour. At 4
p.m., split our mainsail and carried away two jibs.

=Monday, 14th July.=—This morning at 7 a.m. our ears were saluted
with the welcome sounds of “Land Ho!” At 8 a.m. we had a fine view
of Cape Otway Lighthouse. As the depth of water on the bar was not
sufficient to enable us to proceed up the Bay, we came to anchor
under the lee of the land. We found the _Champion of the Seas_
anchored at some little distance from us, waiting for a favourable
wind to proceed to sea. Sailing time from port to port, 68 days 10
hours.

MELBOURNE TO LIVERPOOL.

=Wednesday, 27th August.=—By 10 a.m. we were fairly underweigh. On
approaching the mouth of the Bay a farewell salute of six guns was
fired. The wind dropped and we were obliged to anchor inside Port
Phillip Heads at 6 p.m.

=Thursday, 28th August.=—Cleared the Heads at 10.30 a.m. and at 11
a.m. the pilot left us. We passed Lake Liptrap about 9 p.m. and
shortly afterwards carried away our port fore topmast studding sail
boom, by which accident two men stationed at the look-out had a
narrow escape of losing their lives.

=Sunday, 31st August.=—Lat. 46° 30′ S., long. 158° 46′ E. Distance
313 miles. Wind strong from N.W. We have been going 15 and 16 knots,
astonishing all on board, particularly those passengers who have
hitherto sailed in London clippers.

=Monday, 1st September.=—Lat. 49° 39′ S., long. 166° 35′ E. Distance
366 miles. Thick weather and drizzling rain, sun obscured. At 5 p.m.
breakers on the lee (starboard) bow were unexpectedly observed, which
by some at first were supposed to be icebergs; they soon, however,
appeared to be rocks and high land loomed darkly in the background.

The ship was immediately hauled to the wind, when a bold bluff
appeared through the fog on the weather bow. The helm was then put
down and, contrary to the expectations of all on board, our ship came
round; when all sails were trimmed she headed to clear the rocks.
But the wind having fallen light and a heavy sea rolling towards the
shore, a fearful period of suspense ensued. Thanks to the wonderful
powers of our noble ship, she gathered headway and gradually passed
the weathermost rocks. The prompt and cool conduct of our worthy
captain, his officers and men cannot be too highly praised, as the
smallest error or delay in the issue and execution of the order
would have involved the certain destruction of the ship. On getting
clear of the danger, the captain informed us that the rocks were the
Bristows, off Enderby’s Island, near the Aucklands.

(Captain Enright allowed 40 miles for the usual southerly set, but,
as the occasion proved, this was not enough.)

=Tuesday, 9th September.=—Lat 55° 08′ S., long. 148° 56′ W. Distance
208 miles. Wind increasing, ship scudding at 16 and 17 knots with all
studding sails alow and aloft set.

=Wednesday, 10th September.=—Lat. 55° 33′ S., long. 138° 33′ W.
Distance 355 miles. During the night our fore and main topgallant
stunsails were split and also the main skysail, which was immediately
unbent and replaced by a new one. Wind veering from W. to W.S.W.,
very cold with sleet showers. At 9 a.m. an iceberg was sighted right
ahead. It was measured by Mr. Bartlett and found to be 420 feet high.

=Wednesday, 17th September.=—Lat. 57° 18′ S., long. 83° 28′ W.
Distance 328 miles. The ship rolled much as she scudded under
her topsails and courses with, at times only, the fore and main
topgallant sails. We all know it must blow hard before our main royal
and mizen topgallant sail are furled.

=Thursday, 18th September.=—Lat. 57° 35′ S., long. 74° 48′ W.
Distance 377 miles.

=Friday, 19th September.=—At 11.15 a.m. on the meridian of Cape Horn.
Distant 69 miles. Saw three ships beating to windward. Exchanged
signals with the _Patriot King_.

=Wednesday, 24th September.=—Lat. 47° 21′ S., long. 47° 05′ W.
Distance 227 miles. Squally with rain, but all sail carried
bravely—even little “bull-dog” up on the main skysail mast. Ship
going 14 knots and sometimes 15 in the squalls.

=Thursday, 25th September.=—Lat. 44° 40′ S., long. 41° 43′ W.
Distance 278 miles. All sail set including topmast, topgallant and
royal studding sails, in all 29 sails. Afternoon, the moonsail was
sent up and set as the 30th.

=Thursday, 9th October.=—Crossed the line in 28° 20′ W.

(_Lightning’s_ average 238 miles daily.)

=Tuesday, 14th October.=—Lat. 8° 12′ N., long. 28° 00′ W. Distance
52 miles. At daylight two vessels in sight on the other tack, one
a large ship with three skysails set, the other a brig. At 7 a.m.
tacked ship to N.E. Signalised the ship, which proved to be an
American, the _Tornado_; the brig was thought to be a Spaniard. About
11, the clouds and mist enveloped our neighbours, who presently
emerged with a fair southerly wind, although only distant about 5
miles, while we retained our northerly wind. For a time all was
uncertainty and doubt which wind would gain the day, but when the
vessels came close up to us, bringing with them heavy rain and puffs
of wind, we trimmed yards and soon were rushing through the water at
the rate of 10 knots: anon all was calm and the sails flapped. Again
we saw our American companion staggering under a heavy squall, which
split his fore topgallant sail and main topmast staysail, and caused
his masts to buckle like fishing rods: we had plenty more rain but
did not catch the strength of the squall. There was great shortening
sail and making sail, for the Yankee was going by us, distant about
2 miles on our starboard side; meanwhile the little brig, with a
more steady and strong breeze of his own, came close up on our
port quarter. Then again all was lulled. The interval presented an
opportunity of further signalling, and the following questions and
answers were made.

_Lightning_—“Where are you from and bound to?”

_Tornado_—“Callao and Cape Hatteras.”

_Lightning_—“We are from Melbourne.”

_Tornado_—“How many days are you out?”

_Lightning_—“Forty-seven.”

At which answer _Tornado_ seemed surprised and although we had
previously shown our number, again asked:—“What ship is that?”

We answered:—

_Lightning_—“How many days are you out?”

_Tornado_—“Fifty-six.”

We then exchanged the courtesy of hoisting and dipping ensigns.

It was then about 4 o’clock, and for nearly an hour there was nothing
but “box-hauling” the yards, when suddenly Jonathan caught a breeze
and crept up alongside, and seemed very much inclined to pass us. All
possible sail was set and trimmed most carefully but still _Tornado_
gained, and all was anxiety and excitement. At last the strength
of the breeze came to us, and for a few minutes there was a most
exciting race, some even feared that we were going to be beaten;
but the _Lightning_ showed her wonted superiority, our antagonist
dropped astern, and a hearty cheer from us announced our victory.
The wind then fell light again, and twice freshened and caused the
same capital match; but the _Tornado_, though evidently a first-rate
sailer—being one of the early Californian clippers—could not manage
us; and, as the night closed in, and the breeze became more steady,
we gradually bid him good-bye.

=Wednesday, 15th October.=—Lat. 9° 27′ N., long. 27° 45′ W. Distance
77 miles. Our American friend kept in sight until sunset.

=16th-19th October.=—N.E. trades.

=20th-28th October.=—Doldrums. The _Lightning_ only averaged 55 miles
a day for nine days.

=Wednesday, 29th October.=—Lat. 28° 31′ N., long. 35° 39′ W. Distance
108 miles. At 4 a.m. a light breeze sprang up from the norrard. 6.30
a.m., spoke a large American ship, the _Clarendon_, from Malta to New
Orleans. 8 a.m., going 7 knots, almost a “dead on end” wind, but any
wind at all is a change. Passed a brig to leeward and are overhauling
three ships, which are ahead standing on the same tack. About 3 p.m.,
passed the _Cid_, of Hambro, a very pretty little clipper barque.

=Thursday, 30th October.=—7 a.m., tacked ship to N.N.W. A large ship
in sight went about at the same time, ahead of us. During forenoon
Captain Enright expressed himself confident that she was the _James
Baines_. Great excitement and numerous conjectures, bets, etc. One
thing certain that she sailed almost as fast as ourselves, and her
rigging and sails were similar to those of the _Baines_. By sunset we
had both weathered and gained on our companion.

(The ship was the _James Baines_ and I have already described the
encounter between the two Black Ballers.)

=Wednesday, 5th November.=—Lat. 36° 30′ N., long. 35° 11′ W. Distance
165 miles. (Distance made since 9th October 2219 miles or 76⅔
miles daily.) During the night the wind suddenly shifted, catching
the ship all aback; in the first puff the fore topmast stunsail
boom was carried away. Passed a three-masted schooner steering
to the westward, she showed an English Ensign, but from her rig
appeared more like an American. She had no foresail or mainsail,
but large main and mizen staysails, and a host of other staysails,
square-rigged forward; was about 300 tons.

=Friday, 7th November.=—The islands of Pico, Fayal, etc., in sight.

=Tuesday, 18th November.=—Lat. 51° 04′ N., long. 6° 43′ W. Distance
202 miles.

=Wednesday. 19th November.=—1.30 a.m., Smalls Rocks light bore E.N.E.

=Thursday. 20th November.=—At 4.30 p.m., Mr. W. Harris, pilot, came
on board and took charge off Cape Lynas.

SUMMARY OF PASSAGE.

Melbourne to Cape Horn 24 days 16 hours
Cape Horn to Equator 19 „ 8 „
Equator to Pico, Azores 29 „ 0 „
Western Isles to Liverpool 11 „ 0 „

WINDS.

Fair Winds Light Winds Calms Head Winds
32 days 23 days 4 days 24 days

FIFTH VOYAGE—LIVERPOOL TO MELBOURNE, 1857.

=Thursday, 5th February.=—After a little delay the tender brought all
off safely to the _Lightning_, and the passengers were mustered and
answered to their names to the Government inspector. A minister from
the shore gave a parting address and about 4 p.m. the _Lightning_
began her voyage to Australia in tow of the steam tug _Rattler_, for
unfortunately the wind was dead ahead.

=Saturday, 14th February.=—Lat. 38° 38′ N., long. 56° 59′ W. Distance
127 miles. Fresh stores were being brought up from the mainhold when
a barrel of vinegar fell from a considerable height upon Abraham Le
Seur and injured him severely on the back. He was second mate to
Captain Enright 18 years ago.

=Tuesday, 24th February.=—Lat. 12° 01′ N., long. 23° 27′ W. Distance
268 miles. In the evening our friend Mr. Taylor paid a visit to
the mizen royal yard—much to the consternation of the ladies. He
relieved, what we suppose he felt was the monotony of the descent,
by descending by the preventer brace. If Mr. Taylor will allow us to
advise, we would say “Very well done, but don’t do it again for it is
a thing which the ladies cannot abide.”

=Tuesday, 3rd March.=—Lat. 0° 30′ N., long. 26° 39′ W. Distance 53
miles. In the evening received a visit from Neptune. He evidently
keeps himself well acquainted with what goes on on Terra Firma, for
his fifer played him the well-known tunes of “Villikens and his
Dinah” and “Jim along Josey,” as a triumphal march. It struck us his
marine chargers were a little out of condition and one of them had
put on the outward resemblance of a donkey. After being regaled with
our poor creature comforts, the old fellow very shabbily took himself
off without our letters.

=Saturday, 7th March.=—Last night we passed within 26 miles of
Pernambuco.

=Wednesday, 11th March.=—Lat. 24° 03′ S., long. 35° 40′ W. Distance
213 miles. In a squall this evening we made 14 or 15 knots, and that
on a wind.

=Sunday, 15th March.=—Lat. 38° 47′ S., long. 30° 58′ W. Distance 311
miles. We have been making 16 knots often during the night.

=Monday, 16th March.=—Lat. 41° 08′ S., long. 24° 23′ W. Distance 334
miles. Wind fell light in the afternoon.

=Wednesday. 18th March.=—Lat. 42° 34′ S., long. 17° 04′ W. Distance
200 miles. The wind increases towards evening and we make from 15 to
17 knots an hour, yet the ship is so steady that we danced on the
poop with the greatest ease.

=Thursday, 19th March.=—Lat. 43° 0′ S., long. 7° 17′ W. Distance 430
miles. It is very wet and there is a heavy sea on. In the middle of
the day the wind lulled a bit, then turned over to the starboard
quarter and set to work snoring again as hard as ever.

=Friday, 20th March.=—Lat. 43° 0′ S., long. 0° 55′ E. Distance 360
miles. This weather is most inspiriting, we have made during the last
47 hours the greatest run that perhaps ship ever made; yet all the
time we have carried our main skysail and all sorts and conditions of
stunsails.

=Saturday, 21st March.=—Lat. 43° 03′ S., long. 7° 57′ E. Distance 308
miles. The sea to-day has been really magnificent, the waves were
grand and swept along in majestic lines. In the afternoon our weekly
concert took place in the after saloon.

=Sunday, 22nd March.=—Lat. 43° 51′ S., long. 15° 51′ E. Distance 348
miles. (1446 miles in four days, an average of 361½ miles per day.)

=Friday, 27th March.=—Lat. 44° 38′ S., long. 35° 36′ E. Distance
152 miles. About 2 p.m. a sail was just visible on the port bow. We
very soon overhauled her, made her out to be a fine American clipper
barque, passed her as if she was at anchor, although she was going 10
knots at least and by 4 o’clock she was almost out of sight astern.

=Thursday, 2nd April.=—Lat. 46° 11′ S., long. 70° 40′ E. Distance 328
miles. To-night the wind freshened considerably and the sea got up
with it. Our main royal sheet and sundry stunsail tacks parted.

=Friday, 3rd April.=—Lat. 47° 14′ S., long. 79° 22′ E. Distance 364
miles. Wind blew strongly from the north, sea high; during the night
main topsail, main topgallant stunsail and main royal sheets carried
away.

=Sunday, 5th April.=—Lat. 45° 54′ S., long. 93° 31′ E. Distance 326
miles. Yesterday afternoon the fore topmast stunsail boom snapped
like a carrot, the sail shook itself to pieces, then its yard dashed
through the main topgallant sail, tore it, then tore a large hole in
the main topsail.

=Monday, 6th April.=—Lat. 45° 34′ S., long. 99° 40′ E. Distance 260
miles. A fine day with the wind still dead aft. The sea is not so
high as was yesterday, but the rolling of the ship brings it often
very near our ports. The _Lightning_ is, however, a very dry ship,
and it is extraordinary how few seas we have shipped. She rolled
tremendously last night, her feelings appeared to be hurt, for she
creaked piteously.

=Thursday, 9th April.=—Lat. 45° 34′ S., long. 118° 03′ E. Distance
302 miles. The spanker boom broke adrift and tore a large piece out
of the starboard rail to the eminent peril of every person on deck,
but also of the printing office of the _Lightning Gazette_.

=Wednesday, 15th April.=—7 a.m., Cape Otway bore N. 4¾° E., 30 miles.
About 10 we signalised the _William Miles_ on the other tack. We have
run from the line to Cape Otway in 35 days 15 hours—9449 miles.

=Thursday, 16th April.=—Entered Port Phillip Heads at 8 a.m., having
completed the passage in 69 days 6 hours.

MELBOURNE TO LIVERPOOL, 1857.

=Saturday, 9th May.=—We came on board the good ship _Lightning_ and
find her busily preparing for her journey, with steamers and lighters
alongside, discharging their contents on to her decks. Passengers,
their friends and luggage all pouring on board, amidst the noises of
the sailors, the cackling and crowing of poultry innumerable, the
squeaking of pigs and the occasional altercations of watermen; while,
at the after end of the vessel, may be observed sundry small sealed
boxes, many of them seemingly of ponderous weight, being lowered into
their place of safety and containing the precious metal that has made
Australia so famous.

=Sunday, 10th May.=—Got underweigh at 7 o’clock with the assistance
of two steam tugs and slowly moved from Hobson’s Bay. Wind light and
calm. At dusk we anchored off the Lightship.

=Monday, 11th May.=—Got away from our anchorage at daybreak and
proceeded for the Heads, saluting with a gun the _Morning Glory_ in
quarantine, as we passed her. Got clear of Port Phillip Heads at
8 o’clock, with wind barely sufficient to move the ship. Several
barracoutas were caught in the evening.

=Tuesday, 12th May.=—Head winds and very light. Cape Otway visible on
our starboard bow. In the evening quite becalmed with the Otway light
on starboard quarter.

=Thursday, 14th May.=—Lat. 44° 9′ S., long. 145° 57′ E. Distance 270
miles. Dashing along at 14 to 16 knots with a fine fair wind. S.W.
coast of Tasmania visible through the gloom on our port beam.

=Friday, 15th May.=—Lat. 46° 55′ S., long. 154° 10′ E. Distance 384
miles. Strong breezes and heavy seas with rain squalls and occasional
glimpses of sunshine. During one of the squalls our fore topsail was
split and for some time after dark the crew were busy bending a new
one.

=Saturday, 30th May.=—Lat. 51° 56′ S., long. 126° 34′ W. Distance
250 miles. We are now 18 days from Port Phillip Heads, and have
experienced two days calm, two days westerly winds and for 14 days
the winds have been from E.S.E. and S. The last 10 days we have
sailed close to the wind. She makes no more water in a storm than she
does in a calm.

=Thursday, 11th June.=—Lat. 56° 40′ S., long. 67° 12′ W. Distance 170
miles. About midday we were about 50 miles to south of Cape Horn.
In the evening the wind changed round to N.E. and blew with great
fury, and we had to lay to under single-reefed fore and main topsail.
I believe it may with truth be said that few vessels have had a
more trying passage to the Horn than our good ship _Lightning_. On
our clearing Port Phillip Heads, the winds were light and baffling
from the east, compelling us to take the western passage round Van
Dieman’s Land. Shortly after we encountered a heavy gale from the
south, during which we were at one time reduced to close-reefed
main topsail and main trysail, the ship behaving nobly. After this
the wind headed us and continued to blow from S. by E. to S.E. by
E. for space of 23 days, during which time we ran 4237 miles from
long. 160° E. to 84° W., rendering it quite impossible to get further
to the south than 54°, keeping us between the parallels of 51° and
54°, blowing very heavy—reducing our canvas at times to close-reefed
topsails and courses. During all this, our noble ship behaved
admirably, making, as our parallel of sailing will prove, very little
leeway. This is the fifth trip the writer has made round the Horn in
less than four years, in various ships, and it is not saying too much
when he states that he does not believe any one of them would have
made the distance in the same time, having the same difficulties to
contend with. It has been done in the short space of 31 days, in the
face of unprecedented difficulties as the following short summary
will show.

Calms and Light Winds, 3 days; Variable, 3 days; From S.W. to N.W., 2
days; From S. by E. to S.E. by E., 23 days. Total 31 days.

On the 2nd May, 1855, the writer sailed from Port Phillip in the _Red
Jacket_ and reached Cape Horn in 34 days, but without one day’s check
from head winds.

=Sunday, 14th June.=—Staten Island in sight to eastward. A sail
visible on lee bow, steering same course as ourselves. At 11 o’clock
came up to her and spoke the American ship _Aspasia_, of Mystic, from
California for New York.

=Wednesday, 1st July.=—Lat. 12° 44′ S., long. 37° 30′ W. Distance 192
miles. At 9 a.m. we were opposite Bahia and later in the day the land
was just visible.

=Monday, 6th July.=—Lat. 0° 45′ N., long. 32° 23′ W. Distance 258
miles. At 7 a.m. crossed the line.

=Wednesday, 15th July.=—Lat. 24° 59′ N., long. 45° 22′ W. Distance
300 miles. The wind keeps steady and strong.

=Tuesday, 21st July.=—Lat. 40° 57′ N., long. 38° 25′ W. Distance
254 miles. Wind S.W., a strong breeze, running before it with
stunsails set on both sides at rate of 10 to 12 knots. The ’tween
deck passengers presented the baker (Mr. W. Grainger) with an address
to-day, thanking him for his attention to their comfort.

=Friday, 31st July.=—At 9.30 a.m., Land Ho! Ould Ireland is in sight.
At 5 p.m. passed the Tuskar. Wind right aft.

THE RUN.

From Melbourne to Cape Horn 31 days
„ Cape Horn to Equator 25 „
„ Equator to Azores 15 „
„ Azores to Liverpool 11 „
--
82 days.

75 days on the starboard tack.
Longest run in 24 hours 384 miles
Shortest run in 24 hours 25 „
Best week’s run, 11th to 17th July 1723 „